Preparation of bituminous emulsions



y 1, 1934- D. N. MYERS 1,957,031

PREPARATION OF BITUMINOUS EMULSIONS Filed July 6. 1932 J| "fi AGITATQK 1:27." SUPPLY SUPPLY AGITA' h 5 TANK TANK r02 L FT 8 1::::: 'BiTUM l NOUS su PPLY :J 3 4 PUMP PUMP 6 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Patented May 1, 1934 STATES PATENT @FFICE PREPARATION OF BITUMINOUS EMULSION$ 2 Claims.

In the making of bituminous emulsions, it has been customary to prepare a soap from a saponifiable fat and an alkali, then dissolve the soap to a suitable dilution in water, and finally mix the bituminous material and soap solution into an emulsion. Such procedure has many disadvantages in operation and results. In accordance with the present invention however, it now becomes possible to make an emulsion with relatively simple operations and highly effective results.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawing setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawing:

The sole figure is a diagrammatic representation of apparatus applicable in carrying out the invention.

For clarity, the invention will be described with reference to an illustrative example of operation, this implying however no corresponding limitations. Rosin, having a saponification number of for instance 175, is incorporated with molten petroleum asphalt in a suitable container, as receptacle 2, see drawing, the asphalt being in molten condition by suitable means, whether a previous heating prior to introduction into the container 2 or by heat applied to the container. The mixture of asphalt and rosin is then forwarded by pump 3 through pipe 4 to an agitator 5, where it is met by a stream of potassium hydroxide solution forwarded through pipe 6 by pump '7 from a tank 8. The amount of potassium hydroxide relative to the rosin will have reference to the saponification number thereof as in any case will be determined by its analytical showing, and in the present illustration may be about at the rate of 17 pounds of KOH to each 100 pounds of rosin in the asphalt phase. Similarly, it will be readily understood that if NaOH as for instance drawn from tank 9, were employed, a corresponding amount would be indicated, for instance about 12 pounds per each 100 pounds of rosin. In the agitator, the molten asphalt and rosin and the potassium hydroxide solution are mixed and beaten, with dissemination to emulsion form, the action being completed in a homogenizer type of device 10, from which the finished emulsion may be drawn off by pipe 11 for use, as for road-ways, briquetting binders, and other desired purposes.

Natural asphalt, tar, and other bituminous materials may similarly be worked up. In some cases also, instead of rosin as the acid saponifier component, I may employ other acid resins, such for instance as kauri, copal, etc.; or, in certain instances, petroleum acids such as naphthenic acid, sulphonic acid, and the like, are advantageous. Fatty organic acids having 10 carbon atoms or more, oils such as cottonseed oil, linseed oil, Chinawood oil, etc., are also applicable in some instances.

The proportion of rosin to the bituminous material may be about 1 to 4 per cent. Similarly in the case of other acid.

For some usages, an ammonia base may be employed in lieu of a potassium or sodium base as mentioned.

It will thus be seen that emulsions of bituminous materials may be prepared with important advantages of directness and simplicity, it being possible to eliminate special separate preparatory processes of manufacture of a complete emulsifier. Furthermore, by virtue of producing the emulsifier in situ, a more intimate and thorough dissemination with rapid action is attained. An added advantage of vast importance is brought about by my process through the equalizing of the Water which, as drawn from the pipe or hydrant supply has greatly varying degrees of hardness that afiect uniform manufacture of emulsions.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such, be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A method of making a bituminous emulsion, which comprises melting asphalt and a small proportion of rosin, bringing a stream of the molten material and a stream of caustic alkali solution together under positive pressure to produce an intimate mixture, and releasing said mixture from said positive pressure and beating the mixture, and then homogenizing the beaten mixture.

2. A method of making a bituminous emulsion, which comprises melting asphalt and a small proportion of rosin, bringing a stream of the molten material and a stream of potassium hydroxide solution together under positive pressure to produce an intimate mixture, and releasing said mixture from said positive pressure and beating the mixture, and then homogenizing the beaten mixture.

DAVID N. MYERS. 

